believe

verb

be·​lieve bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce believe (audio)
believed; believing

transitive verb

1
a
: to consider to be true or honest
believe the reports
you wouldn't believe how long it took
b
: to accept the word or evidence of
I believe you
couldn't believe my ears
2
: to hold as an opinion : suppose
I believe it will rain soon

intransitive verb

1
a
: to accept something as true, genuine, or real
ideals we believe in
believes in ghosts
b
: to have a firm or wholehearted religious conviction or persuasion : to regard the existence of God as a fact
Do you believe?
usually used with in
believe in the Scriptures
2
: to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something
believe in exercise
3
: to hold an opinion : think
I believe so
believer noun
Phrases
not believe
: to be astounded at
I couldn't believe my luck

Examples of believe in a Sentence

I have watched the many ways that teachers demonstrate pleasure in what students have said or done. I used to believe that teachers needed to present a stoic face for fear of losing control—as if smiling caused bad behavior. Nancy Mack, English Journal, September 2008
Scientists kept a close eye on Mount Saint Helens. The volcano in Washington State spewed steam and ash throughout the month, leading experts to believe that it could erupt at any time. Time For Kids, 17 Dec. 2004
They parted as casually as any friends who believe they will meet in a few days. But each knew the other was in deadly peril of his life. Esther Forbes, Johnny Tremain, 1943
The scientists believed the reports. Many people seem to believe that theory, but I find it hard to believe. You shouldn't believe everything you read. He says he'll help us, but I don't believe what he says. They were tricked into believing that he was a doctor. He says he'll help us, but I don't believe him. She went to church because her family expected it, but she didn't really believe.
Recent Examples on the Web The tax currently raises nearly €400 million annually, but with rising debt, Italian offices believe there is more meat on the digital services bone—either through raising the rate or expanding the base by decreasing the revenue thresholds. Andrew Leahey, Forbes, 9 Oct. 2024 Some civil libertarians, however, believe the decision to remove the plates raises constitutional questions about the suppression of political expression. Annabella Rosciglione, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 9 Oct. 2024 In Maui, Hawaii, and Paradise, California — the sites of the two deadliest wildfires in modern U.S. history — survivors believe a lack of warning contributed to the loss of dozens of lives. Colleen Hagerty, Rolling Stone, 9 Oct. 2024 For an extended portion of the episode, we’re meant to believe River is dead, and his grandfather killed him. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 9 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for believe 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'believe.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English beleven, from Old English belēfan, from be- + lȳfan, lēfan to allow, believe; akin to Old High German gilouben to believe, Old English lēof dear — more at love

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of believe was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near believe

Cite this Entry

“Believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/believe. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

believe

verb
be·​lieve bə-ˈlēv How to pronounce believe (audio)
believed; believing
1
: to have a firm religious faith
2
: to have faith or confidence in the existence or worth of
believe in ghosts
believe in regular exercise
3
: to accept as true
believe the reports
4
: to accept the word or evidence of
they believed us
I could hardly believe my ears
5
: to hold as an opinion : think
believe it will rain
believable
-ˈlē-və-bəl
adjective
believably
-blē
adverb
believer noun

Legal Definition

believe

transitive verb
be·​lieve
believed; believing
: to consider to be true or honest

More from Merriam-Webster on believe

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